Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that promises to be a crowd-pleaser? Say hello to Parmesan Crusted Chicken Fingers! This Italian-inspired recipe combines tender chicken strips with a golden, crispy coating that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun family gathering, these chicken fingers are not just another boring dinner option—they're a culinary delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds! With just 35 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by cutting chicken breast into even strips approximately 1-inch wide, ensuring uniform cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until well blended and smooth.
- Place flour in another shallow dish, creating a standard breading station: flour first, then egg wash, and finally Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
- Dredge each chicken strip first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into egg wash, and finally coat completely with Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring oil is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place breaded chicken strips into hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken fingers from skillet and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and maintain crispiness.
- Serve hot with preferred dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Tips
- Uniform Chicken Strips: For even cooking, make sure your chicken strips are cut into uniform pieces, about 1-inch wide. This ensures that they cook at the same rate and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Breading Station: Set up a proper breading station with flour, egg wash, and the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. This will make the coating process smoother and less messy!
- Press the Coating: When coating the chicken strips with the breadcrumb mixture, press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. This will give you a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Hot Oil is Key: Make sure the olive oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken fingers.
- Resting Time: Allow the cooked chicken fingers to rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving. This helps to drain excess oil and keeps them crispy.
- Dipping Sauce Variety: Serve your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Fingers with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard to cater to different tastes and add extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 125mg
